Kingery (8-for-16) is swinging the bat better than at any point in a year. After a red-hot 2018 spring training and early-season start in his rookie year, Kingery wilted (.605 OPS) in his first taste of the big leagues.

Now, without an everyday spot in the lineup, Kingery is showing real signs of life. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler needs to find a way to get his bat in the lineup more (not every single game, but more). The most logical spot is second base as a replacement for the struggling Cesar Hernandez.

Moving forward, it’s a disservice to Kingery’s development and a win-now team if the 24-year-old doesn’t get at least two-to-three starts per week.

Victor Arano returned in a big way

Arano was one of Philadelphia’s best (and most reliable) relievers in 2018. After the worst spring training I’ve ever seen, he was sent down to the minors to get himself together.

Over the season’s first two weeks, Arano’s absence showed. Philadelphia’s bullpen was short an arm (or two) and needed the strikeout ability and length Arano had shown he’s capable of providing Kapler’s bullpen.

During Sunday’s 14-inning marathon, Arano pitched two perfect innings with six strikeouts. The most encouraging signs: Command and a swing-and-miss slider—the staple of his success last season.

So far, the Phillies and Mets have been the most impressive teams in the NL East. Now we’ll get to see the two teams square off for the first time this season when New York comes to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game series.

Here are the pitching matchups we’ll see this week and a key player to watch on both sides.

David Robertson: Philadelphia acquired Robertson for lineups just like the Mets. With left-handed sluggers like Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Robinson Cano mixed throughout the lineup, Robertson will likely be called on to get through the middle of a very balanced group.

Pete Alonso: New York’s rookie first baseman has been incredible so far. For the Mets to take a series in a hitter-friendly park, Alonso will need to keep up his run producing to match Philly’s offensive output.